Tuesday, February 26, 2008

February is pet dental health month, and I was appalled to learn that 70% of dogs have an onset of dental disease by the age of three. With little Max coming on age three in just a few months, this was a real eye-opener for me.

Here are some facts that can help you prevent oral diseases:

It is important to brush your pet's teeth at least once a week.

You can use either a brush or your finger in a circular motion, about 30 seconds on each side.

If you pet hates the toothbrush, try placing a little dab of toothpaste on their nose or paw and let them lick it off to allow them to get use to the flavor.

Do not use human toothpaste, as it has detergents that can cause pets to become ill.

If your pet does not want to eat, or does not want to clean himself, it may be because of mouth pain associated with an oral disease. Non-customary drooling is also a sign of oral disease. If your pet has these symptoms, make sure your vet checks this out.